Chapter One Hundred - Reception

Having a wedding was a very... human thing, Day supposed.

Having a reception after it, therefore, was just continuing that same tradition.

Nova had shared a link to the reception hall, which was, appropriately, a large open-sided tent next to a gun-range on the plains of Io. Nova and Night’s little digital home was visible, hidden amongst the hills, and the space itself was just chilly enough that it suggested the need for a shawl and maybe some good pantyhose, without being too cold to enjoy.

Music filled the air, once more coming from nowhere in particular, and the space was illuminated by a glowing Jupiter which dominated the skyline.

Nova and Night came to stand together in the middle of the reception tent. Their hands touched, and Night grinned mischievously before she started to pull Nova into a dance.

It became clear within seconds that Nova had no idea what to do with her feet.

“They’re cute,” Candle said from where she stood, just by Day’s shoulder.

Day nodded, her eyes glued to the newlyweds. Night was guiding Nova with gentle nudges and their laughter echoed through the open space. "Yes," she admitted softly, "They really are."

She took a step back, moving away from the dance floor to give the couple more space. As she did, her arm brushed against Candle's. It was a simple, innocent touch, but it sent warmth flooding through her.

Candle seemed unfazed. "Do you want to dance?" she asked, her voice just barely above a whisper.

Day hesitated, glancing over at her. There was a playful spark in Candle's eyes, a challenge, but there was also something else. Something softer, something vulnerable.

"I... sure," Day stammered, her chest suddenly feeling tight.

They moved towards the dance floor, and as Candle placed her hand on Day's waist, an unfamiliar sensation swept over her. It was more than just the simulated touch of Candle's hand against her own. It was a connection, a feeling of comfort and safety that felt all too real.

As they started to sway to the music, Day couldn't help but think of Night and Nova. Of their vows, their love for each other. She glanced up at Candle, her heart pounding in her digital chest. "Do you ever think about... you know... settling down?"

Candle laughed. “In a hangar somewhere?”

Day couldn’t help by laugh along with her. “No, not in a hangar somewhere. I mean... ah, nevermind.”

Candle shook her head, not letting go of the subject at all. “No, I get what you meant. And, honestly? No, not really. I mean, I probably should think about it, but, I guess my thoughts are conflicted.”

“In what way?” Day asked.

“Part of me sees what Night and Nova have, and is a little be envious. Part of me, a bigger part, wants to do my own thing. I got a second chance at light, but it didn’t come entirely free. I want... well, I want to kick the Accord’s teeth in, and to protect you from them, and to become stronger, burn brighter. But... with the right person... maybe I would settle down in some dusty hangar somewhere.”

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Day pulled Candle closer, hiding her smile in the crook of Candle’s neck.

Candle's chuckle was warm. "You're cute when you're being sentimental," she teased.

Day turned to face her, her cheeks growing warmer. "I'm not being sentimental," she protested. "I'm just... happy for them. That's all."

The look Candle gave her told her she wasn't buying it. "Sure, Day," she said, her tone far too playful. "Whatever you say."

Day rolled her eyes. "Don't you have someone else to bother?" she grumbled, though there was no real bite to her words.

Candle took a step closer, invading Day's personal space. "But I like bothering you," she said. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Day opened her mouth to reply, but she was cut off by an alert. She frowned, pulling up the alert in her vision. The Accord fleet. They were getting closer.

Candle seemed to sense her worry. "What is it?" she asked, her playful demeanor fading.

"The Accord," Day answered, her voice tight. "They're closer than we thought."

Candle was silent for a moment, then she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Day's arm. "We'll handle it," she said confidently. "We always do."

Day nodded, forcing a smile. "You're right," she said. "We always do."

And for a moment, as Candle's hand remained on her arm and her warm gaze met Day's, Day felt a flicker of something more than friendship. She quickly pushed the thought aside, focusing on the imminent threat. But as she did, she couldn't help but wonder what it might be like to have someone look at her the way Night looked at Nova. And if that someone might be Candle.

Dawn, who was in change of the more technical aspects of the reception, tweaked things in the background. Suddenly, time was moving a little faster, in a way that no organic would be able to keep up to, but which was no more than a mild hiccup for those present.

Day was impressed, she would have expected Dawn to just cut things off entirely, but maybe her sister was being a bit more tactful than usual today.

“We shouldn’t just dance together,” Day said.

“Don’t want anyone to get any ideas?” Candle asked.

Day poked her in the stomach. “No. I wouldn’t want anyone else to have to suffer your company, but I want to see if I can’t convince Dawn to dance too. And Lullaby... and Twilight. And maybe I can get Night all flushed by stealing Nova for a spin too.”

Candle laughed. “Always looking out for your family, huh? Alright, I think I can join in on the fun. She who gets the most dance partners wins?”

Day grinned. “You’re on.”

***